Interested in Walden University

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by albie, Jul 19, 2003.

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  1. albie

    albie New Member

    Hi, I'm new to this board and quite honestly new to DL. I have an MS from a brick and mortar school (BAM). With work and the usual things in life, it's difficult to go into a full-time BAM school. So, I've been looking into DL PhD programs and would be interested in your thoughts on Walden U. I've also been looking into University of Phoenix and Touro U, so your impressions would be helpful. Thanks!
     
  2. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    What field of study are you interested in? That would help greatly with any recommendations.

    Walden doesn't seem to be discussed much here, but they are a solid RA school that's been around forever (in the relative world of DL that is). I believe they recently went from non-profit to for-profit, which turns off a lot of people (not me necessarily).


    Bruce
     
  3. albie

    albie New Member

    Yeah, I've noticed that Walden isn't discussed a lot here.

    Well, I'm looking into business management. The Walden program I'm interested is the PhD in Applied Management. UoP has a DBA program they just started this year.
     
  4. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Besides Walden, UoP, and Touro, also check out;

    Northcentral University- 100% non-residential Ph.D. in Business Administration (several concentrations)

    Capella University- Short residency Ph.D. in Organization & Management

    Argosy University- Short residency D.B.A. and D.I.B.A.

    I don't think there is much difference between any of the above. They are all regionally accredited DL schools, so I don't see one having much advantage over another, practically speaking. Check out each one and decide which curriculum, delivery method, tuition, etc., fits your needs.

    Good luck!


    Bruce
     
  5. albie

    albie New Member

    Thanks for the suggestions. I will check them out!
     
  6. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    albie,

    The Bears' Guide says that master's programs at Walden may be completed entirely through the internet. Doctorates are not mentioned.

    The Walden site does mention Ph.D.s but references this page which lists schools within Walden U. The availability of a Ph.D. by DL may depend on which field you wish to study.
     
  7. Andy Borchers

    Andy Borchers New Member

    Any search in this area should probably include Nova Southeastern University (www.nova.edu). NSU has been around for a long time and is quite large compared to some of the other schools mentioned in this thread. In studying business at the DBA level this translates into speciality areas in marketing, finance, IS, accounting, international, etc.

    NSU is a BAM school with an unusual collection of on-campus and distance programs. Check them out.

    Regards - Andy

     
  8. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    Oop! I blame it on the hydrocodone.

    But despite being doped, I note some residence requirements in the Walden Ph.D. program.

    For example:

    32 residency units in all for the General Program:

     
  9. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I didn't include NSU because their website is now especially ambiguous in regards to DL business degrees.

    I know that NSU used to offer the D.B.A. in a short residency format, but it's now listed on the "Distance Learning" section of the NSU website as an off-campus (residential) or weekend (residential) option in Florida. Otherwise, I would have recommended them without hesitation. Well, I still recommend them without hesitation, but not for someone looking for a true DL program.
     
  10. albie

    albie New Member

    I've heard of Nova Southeastern, but hadn't heard much in terms of feedback or experiences. It sounds like I have a lot more to research.
     
  11. albie

    albie New Member

    Walden does have some residency requirements and they range anywhere from a week to three weeks. One good thing is you can choose from various locations where you can complete the residency requirement.
     
  12. oko

    oko New Member

    There are many great alumni of Walden. I have met some of the well accomplished Walden graduates in government and academia and yes including top universities and great research centers such as NIH - National Institutes of Health. I considered Walden very seriouly but had to back out because of cost. Walden isn't cheap and they are also now for profit institution which may mean frequent increases in fees. Finally, it seems their student population is diminishing perhaps due to more competition in DL education. If you can afford it go for it. I couldn't; not especially when there are cheaper alternatives with perhaps same outcome. Good luck.

    Godwin
     
  13. albie

    albie New Member

    Godwin, so where you did decide to go to?
     
  14. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    At Union Institute and University, one can design a Ph.D. program concentrating in business-related areas.

    For years, Walden plugged along as an unaccredited school, ignored by its regional accreditor (SACS). Finally, it opened an office in Minnesota and pursued accreditation (successfully) with the North Central Association. They are one of the pioneers of nontraditional higher education, and should be on anyone's short list (assuming they offer the desired degree).

    I want also to echo Andy's recommendation to consider Nova Southeastern.
     
  15. oko

    oko New Member

    Albie writes

    "Godwin, so where you did decide to go to?"


    After an exhaustive search, I have decided on Touro. Although that could change, it is very unlikely.


    Godwin
     
  16. albie

    albie New Member

    How did you decide on Touro?
     
  17. oko

    oko New Member

    albie,

    I decided on Touro by talking with current students. I happen to know two of them personally. I was introduced to one by a colleague and the other is a well accomplished professional colleague. One of the most important determinant was the tuition. It isn't quite cheap but it isn't too expensive either.

    Another reason is for some classes at least in the doctoral level, it is taken live online. That can create some friendship with classmates. Another reason is their fees include books although one must still have to buy few books in my opinion. They have a great online library.

    I also talked with Touro dean. They have full time staff. Their tech support is 24/7 and their response rate is usually within 48 hours but my experience has been 24 hours.

    I am not a student yet but I will be making my mind up within the next few days. Contact me offline if you want to talk.

    Generally on this forum, Touro has received favorable comments. My extensice research on the internet on Touro has been generally positive.

    Godwin
     
  18. albie

    albie New Member

    Godwin,

    Sounds like Touro has a lot to offer. Sure email me at [email protected]. I'd be interested in hearing your views. The main thing that interests me with Touro is that it has a BAM facility, which may lend it more credibility than a straight DL program. But, I'd be interested in hearing what you think.
     
  19. oko

    oko New Member

    Honestly, DL credibility does not bother me one iota. I am more concerned about RA accreditation than anything else. Nothing more, nothing less. I take that back may be something more but no less an RA accreditation. Those propagating nonsense about DL education are grossly uninformed and most are ill informed as well.

    The fact is when one goes to pharmacy these days, it is possible that the pharmacy filling your prescription got his PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) through DL. I can say the same of an Audiologist (Au.D) and so on.

    I just happen to work in one of the most educated personnel system in the world with minimum entry standard of a Bachelor degree. Many of my colleagues have degrees from just about most universities from Harvard to Yale and in between. We work in teams and produce projects as teams. Some got their PhD through DL and are performing greatly and as well as any other. Some who got their doctorate through DL are also teaching adjunct in many "big name" institutions as well.

    It boils down to the individual and the degree one holds and not the mode of delivery of the training that matters. There are those who would look for any excuse not to hire you when they do not want to hire you in the first place. I like to think those are in the minority.

    I like Touro because it is reasonably priced for now for a U.S. insititution and for all the reasons I previoulsy described. Do I really need a doctorate? No. Can I suppress the desire for a doctorate? No. It is this inner desire that is pushing me for it. Besides, most of my colleagues have it and people regularly call me Dr.... all the time and I am getting tired of saying I am not a doctor.

    I will contact you off line so we can talk. Good luck in your studies.

    Godwin
     
  20. viper88

    viper88 New Member

    NCU

    NCU ( North Central U.) is a cheaper alternative to Walden and Cappela. They have a business program that you may want to check out and they are R/A
     

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